Banned country may have found way to take part in international competition

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Josh Tupper
July 6, 2024 (9:46 PM)

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Team Russia is looking to find a way to play games after international ban.

Vladislav Tretiak, the legendary Russian goaltender and current President of the Russian Hockey Association, has expressed his admiration for Canadians and proposed an exhibition hockey game between Russia and Canada on neutral ground. Tretiak, widely regarded as the best goalie Russia has ever produced, has made a significant impact on the sport despite never playing in the NHL.

In a recent interview, Tretiak praised Canadians, showcasing his appreciation for the country and its people. His proposal for an exhibition game on neutral ground aims to foster friendly competition and sportsmanship between the two nations. As the President of the Russian Hockey Federation, Tretiak's efforts may help strengthen the relationship between Russia and Canada through their shared passion for hockey.

"Jacques Plante with Vladislav Tretiak before the Summit Series, 1972"

As reported by Sport24.ru, Tretiak said the hockey world needs to see Canada vs Russia again, and is proposing an exhibition game to take place in a third country.

"There are thoughts: we would play the Canadians somewhere in a third country, like the [United Arab] Emirates. It would be interesting. Well, okay, not the main teams, but at least the youth, 20-year-olds."

Tretiak shared the Canada vs Russia hockey rivalry is the best in all of sports, and said he thinks Canadians would be far more open to a match against Russia than other countries.

"Canadians are less involved in politics, we can play with them. Moreover, they know that no matter what the World Championship is, no matter where Canada and Russia are, the main match is Canada vs. Russia. With all due respect to the Finns, Swedes, Czechs... It's like CSKA vs. Spartak, an eternal rivalry, the highest TV rating."

Tretiak is not wrong when it comes to the TV ratings. There's little doubt a true best-on-best of even junior players from the two countries at this time would score big ratings in both. It would be well worth the watch from a pure hockey standpoint. Russia is, of course, currently banned from competitions organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF), due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.